What was said in today’s coronavirus press conference? – The Sun
DOMINIC RAAB chaired tonight's coronavirus press briefing alongside Chief of Defence, Sir Nick Carter and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.
The Foreign Secretary addressed issues surrounding PPE.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
What was said in today's press conference?
Dominic Raab says the UK "is not out of the woods yet"
Dominic Raab said his “heart goes out” to every bereaved family after the death toll increased by 759 to 18,100.
He insisted the government has been guided by the scientific advice at all times and said lockdown measures have helped save lives.
He says these have been “tough times” for businesses, families and the vulnerable and described Covid-19 as an “economic, physical and mental strain” for the whole of the UK.
He said there is “no hiding from the tragedy” coronavirus has brought and says the UK is “not out of the woods yet”.
Dominic Raab pays tribute to the armed forces
The stand-in PM paid tribute to the role the armed forces have played in helping setting up the Nightingale hospitals.
He added: “If we stick together and stay the course, we will defeat the virus for good.”
Chris Whitty warns not to expect a sudden decline in deaths
The UK government’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said the number of people in hospital beds is either "improving" or "broadly flat", while deaths in the UK are "flattening off".
But, he confirmed based on other countries the UK should not expect a "sudden" decline in numbers.
Military has been helping distribute PPE
Sir Nick Carter said the military has been helping distribute PPE to frontline services as well as delivering mobile testing labs and building emergency field hospitals.
He said dozens of military experts have been providing support to local organisations.
He said their work has helped the NHS get deliveries to about 50,000 locations.
He says that the operation to support the NHS has been "the single greatest logistical challenge" that he's come across in a 40-year career.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply 'Like' our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
What happened in Tuesday's briefing?
Health Secretary Matt Hancock led the coronavirus press briefing on Tuesday, April 21 alongside Professor John Newton, a director for Public Health England and the Government's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.
During the briefing, Matt Hancock revealed the Government is to begin human trials on a coronavirus vaccine on Thursday (April 23).
Join our George Cross campaign for NHS staff
We are urging Sun readers to sign a petition calling for our NHS staff to be awarded the George Cross.
We are backing a proposal by Lord Ashcroft to honour our health heroes with the gallantry gong given for acts of bravery that did not take place in battle.
A No10 spokesman said: “The NHS is doing a fantastic job and the nation will want to find a way to say thank you when we have defeated this virus.”
SAS hero Andy McNab added: “The award of a George Cross would show an emotional appreciation.”
We are asking our readers to please sign the petition below.
He also said the Government was to boost its funding for research, giving £20m to the Oxford team to sponsor their clinical trials.
The Health Secretary also insisted that the Government's lockdown measures is working but there was still a long way to go.
He rejected claims the UK coronavirus death toll could be 40 per cent higher than suggested after it was revealed deaths outside hospitals had not been reported.
The issue of PPE was discussed as Mr Hancock said he is "determined to get people the PPE they need."
He also said PPE delivery is happening on an unprecedented scale, adding the Government has delivered over a billion items.
Addressing the criticism of PPE delivery, he maintained that the Government was working to improve the delivery.
Source: Read Full Article